Check UAE Visa Status by Passport Number (2026 Updated Guide)

How to Check UAE Visa Status & Validity by Passport Number (2026 Complete Guide)

If you want to check your UAE visa status by passport number, you can do it online in less than 2 minutes through official UAE government portals.

You only need:

  • Passport number
  • Passport expiry date
  • Nationality

The service is completely free.

But before checking, you must know where your visa was issued.

Step 1: Identify Where Your Visa Was Issued

If Your Visa Is From

Use This Website

Dubai

GDRFA

Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, UAQ

ICP

How to Check UAE Visa Status (Abu Dhabi & other Emirates)

   

 

If your visa was issued outside Dubai, use the official website of
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

Step-by-Step Process:

  1. Visit ICP Smart Services website
  2. Click on Public Services
  3. Select Passport Information
  4. Choose Visa or Residency
  5. Enter:
    • Passport number
    • Passport expiry date
    • Nationality
  6. Complete captcha
  7. Click Search

You will see:

  • Visa status (Active / Expired / Cancelled)
  • Expiry date
  • Visa type
  • File number

How to Check Dubai Visa Status by Passport Number

If your visa was issued in Dubai, use the official website of

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA).

Steps:

  1. Visit GDRFA Dubai website
  2. Click on File Validity / Visa Status
  3. Select passport search option
  4. Enter passport details
  5. Complete verification
  6. Submit

You can also check through:

  • DubaiNow mobile app
  • Amer service centers

What Each Visa Status Actually Means

Understanding the result is important.

Status

Meaning

What You Should Do

Active

Visa is valid

Nothing required

Expired

Visa validity ended

Renew or exit immediately

Cancelled

Sponsor cancelled visa

Check grace period

Under Process

Application still being reviewed

Wait 24–48 hours

Important: Grace Period After Visa Expiry

Many people panic when visa shows expired.

In most cases:

  • UAE provides a grace period after visa expiry or cancellation.
  • Overstay fines usually start after grace period ends.

However, grace period length depends on visa type.

Always verify immediately to avoid penalties.

Overstay Fine in UAE (Updated)

  • AED 50 per day after grace period
  • Exit permit or additional fees may apply

Even 10 days delay can become expensive.

Real Life Situations People Face

1. I Resigned From My Job. When Will My Visa Be Cancelled?

Your employer must cancel your residence visa.
Once cancelled, it will show as “Cancelled” in the system.
You may receive a grace period to find new employment or exit.

2. My Visa Shows “Under Process.” Can I Travel?

If your visa is under process:

  • Avoid international travel
  • Wait until status becomes Active

       Traveling during processing may create complications.

3. What Is the Difference Between Visa File Number and UID?

  • UID is your unique identification number in UAE immigration system
  • File number is linked to a specific visa

         Both appear in your visa status result.

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

“No Record Found”

Reasons:

  • Entered wrong passport number
  • Used wrong portal (Dubai vs ICP)
  • Visa recently approved
  • System update delay

     

Solution: Recheck carefully and try again after 24–48 hours.

Visa Shows Cancelled But I Didn’t Cancel It

Possible reasons:

  • Employer cancelled it
  • Sponsor withdrew
  • Visa transferred

Contact your employer or:

  • ICP Call Center: 600 522222
  • GDRFA Dubai: 800 5111

Frequently Asked Questions (Detailed)

Yes. Passport number is enough for checking visit and residence visa status.

Yes, if you use official government websites only. Avoid third-party websites asking for payment.

Yes. Tourist, 30-day, 60-day, and transit visas can all be checked online.

Usually 24–48 hours after approval or cancellation.

You will be charged AED 50 per day after grace period. Additional administrative fees may apply.

Yes, if you have their passport details.

It is recommended to check:

  • Before international travel
  • Before visa renewal
  • After resignation
  • After visa transfer

Final Advice

Checking your UAE visa validity regularly protects you from:

  • Overstay fines
  • Travel restrictions
  • Immigration problems
  • Employment complications

The process is simple, free, and takes less than 2 minutes.

Do not wait until the last day.

 
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